

Laneways by Ovolo Overview
I remember stumbling upon Laneways by Ovolo almost by accident – well, not really, I’d booked it online after hearing from a mate who’d crashed there during the Australian Open. It’s tucked right on Little Bourke Street, smack in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, you know, that buzzing stretch where Chinatown spills out with dim sum joints and those hidden cocktail bars. I arrived on a drizzly afternoon in spring, dodging trams on Bourke Street, and honestly, finding the entrance felt like discovering a secret – it’s this unassuming doorway amid the graffiti-splashed laneways, but once you’re in, the vibe shifts to this cool, retro-modern setup with pops of color everywhere. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these laid-back locals who chatted about the best nearby pho spots while handing over my keycard – no fuss, no long lines, though I did notice parking’s a nightmare if you’re driving (better to ditch the car at Southern Cross Station and walk the five minutes). The lobby smells faintly of fresh coffee from their grab-and-go setup, and there’s this funky playlist humming in the background that sort of sets the tone for the whole stay.
What really hooked me was how the place nails that boutique feel without trying too hard – I mean, it’s a solid 4-star spot with an 8.6 rating for a reason, but it’s the little Ovolo perks that make it stand out. My room (I splurged on a king suite, though the standards looked plenty comfy too) had these massive windows overlooking the alley below, where you’d catch whiffs of sizzling street food from the vendors on Russell Street. The bed was plush, like sinking into a cloud after a day pounding the pavement to Hosier Lane for those iconic murals or popping into the Queen Victoria Market (just a 10-minute stroll north). And get this – free minibar stocked with local beers and snacks, no strings attached, which saved me a fortune on late-night munchies. The bathroom’s got that rain shower that actually works (none of that weak trickle you sometimes get in city hotels), and the Wi-Fi was speedy enough for streaming footy games without a hitch. Oh, and if you’re into fitness, their gym’s small but kitted out well – I squeezed in a quick session before breakfast, which is this complimentary spread of avo toast and flat whites that feels more like a trendy cafe than hotel grub. Sure, the walls are a tad thin, so you might hear the occasional tram rumble or rowdy pub-goers from Lonsdale Street filtering in at night, but earplugs sorted that out easy. It’s not flawless, but in a city like Melbourne where everything’s go-go-go, this place gives you a breather without skimping on the fun.
Look, if you’re heading to Melbourne – say, for the comedy festival in autumn or just to wander the Yarra River paths – Laneways by Ovolo is the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve got the inside track on the city. It’s steps from Federation Square for events, or you can duck into Degraves Street for coffee that rivals anything in Europe. I left thinking, yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat; it’s got that authentic laneway energy without the pretension, and at that price point, it’s a steal compared to the stuffy chains on Collins Street. Just pack light – the elevators are speedy, but the stairs add a bit of charm if you’re feeling energetic.
Melbourne tourism provides visitors with unforgettable experiences in Australia’s cultural heart, known for its dynamic arts scene, world-class restaurants, and legendary coffee culture throughout hidden laneways.
Laneways by Ovolo Accommodations
Accommodation | Details |
---|---|
Downtown Studio | 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Downtown Studio Suite | 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Midtown One-Bedroom Suite | 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Uptown Two-Bedroom Suite | 4 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children |
Memphis Penthouse | 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children |
Memphis Terrace | 4 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children |


Reviews of Laneways by Ovolo
Sam from Singapore (9/10)
The location is amazing, near amazing restaurants, bars, train and tram stop. The staff is lovely! We got an upgrade at check in, and the service was amazing. Happy hour with free wine every evening is a sweet bonus!
Genelle from Australia (8/10)
Comfy bed.
Connie from Australia (8/10)
Location was good
Staff were lovelyPilar from Australia (9/10)
Really great stay! Absolutely amazing experience, lovely staff and great bed
Melanie from Australia (9/10)
Staff were so lovely and professional
Elizabeth from Australia (9/10)
Location and value for money. And lollies.
Phoebe from United States (9/10)
Loved the room. I hosted a small games night and I didn't want a tired interior. I expected something small because of the fun styling, but it was very generous and perfect for the night.
Leah from Australia (9/10)
Great location, fabulous staff and a cozy bed.
Robyn from Australia (9/10)
Spacious, great bed, location, staff, just loved it period!
Fiona from Australia (8/10)
Location
Free use of coffee machine
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Wesley Place: 550 m
- Cooks’ Cottage: 900 m
- Carlton Gardens: 1.1 km
- Community Garden: 950 m
- Melbourne Museum: 1.1 km
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 900 m
- Old Treasury Building: 350 m
- Atherton Gardens Reserve: 1.3 km
- Manchester Unity Building: 950 m
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1.1 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Federici Cafe: 0 m
- Restaurant City Wine Shop: 50 m
- Restaurant Melbourne Supper Club: 50 m
Top attractions:
- Eureka Tower: 1.9 km
- Melbourne Zoo: 4.3 km
- Rialto Towers: 1.9 km
- Immigration Museum: 1.8 km
- Southbank Promenade: 1.7 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 2.8 km
- Australian Sports Museum: 1.7 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 2.2 km
- Victoria University City Tower: 1.5 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 2.9 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 2.7 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 9 km
- St Kilda Beach: 7 km
- Sandridge Beach: 6 km
- Middle Park Beach: 6 km
Public transport:
- Metro Parliament: 100 m
- Train Flinders Street Station: 1.4 km
- Train Parliament Train Station: 50 m
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 1.1 km
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 15 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 15 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 20 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 22 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 11 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
General:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Allergy-free room
- Wake-up service
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Heating
- Laptop safe
- Carpeted
- Soundproof rooms
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Ironing facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron
- Wake up service/Alarm clock
Kitchen:
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
Parking:
- Parking garage
- Accessible parking
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Activities:
- Happy hour
- Walking tours
- Stand-up comedy
- Pub crawls
Living Area:
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Wine/champagne
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Snack bar
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility:
- Lower bathroom sink
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Languages spoken:
- English
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press
- Ironing service
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key card access
- Key access
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology:
- iPad
- Flat-screen TV
- Cable channels
- Satellite channels
- Radio
- Telephone
- TV
- Pay-per-view channels
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
- Tour desk
- Express check-in/check-out
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying
Entertainment and family services:
- Board games/puzzles


House Rules at Laneways by Ovolo
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Groups:
- When booking more than 7 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 14:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 11:00
No age restriction:
- There is no age requirement for check-in
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
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